“Same here, same here,” he said, adding a broad smile. He sipped from his cup. “Excellent coffee, and I love those cups. Scott’s so environmentally conscious. Excellent addition to our little business district.”
“I agree,” Mimi said automatically. Leonard had always been upbeat and a cheerleader for the local businesses, but she hadn’t seen him so cheery in a long time. “Looks like you’re really happy today, Leonard. And it’s not even the beginning of the school year. Is stationery suddenly in high demand? Your store is doing well?”
“Yeah, imagine that! My stationery store is full of people again. If I had known murder would increase business this much, I would’ve taken it up years ago,” he said and laughed again.
Mimi looked side-eyed at him. What a strange comment!
“What do you mean by that?” she asked.
“Nothing, nothing. Just kidding. Don’t you enjoy the fact that we can now laugh and shout in the street at eight a.m. without the risk of being yelled at?”
Mimi relaxed her shoulders.
“He’s dead, though, someone murdered him,” she whispered. “And here you’re talking about taking advantage of it.”
“Come on, Mimi. You know I like to joke and laugh. Don’t take me or this comment seriously. And smile!” Leonard said and added another grin.
Mimi forced her lips into a smile. “Fine. I still fail to see this as funny, though. Maybe it’s too early for me. I definitely need coffee,” she said, looking for Baxter. “I’d better find my dog and get my caffeine fix.”
“Sure. Have a nice day, Mimi.” Leonard gave her a wave and strolled away toward his store on the other side of Drew’s bookstore.
“Baxter, come here,” Mimi yelled louder than she would have if Drew was still alive. On one hand, Leonard’s comment made her suspicious. On the other, however uncomfortable the truth was, the street seemed happier, freer, without Drew. Mimi shook her head hoping that would help clear the discomfort, but it didn’t.
“Baxter,” she called out again. “Hurry up, buddy, we’ve got to go.” Her head was beginning to ache. No doubt craving the usual morning caffeine fix.
If only she’d brought some money with her, she could have sneaked into Scott’s Café and gotten herself a drink.
Money and the multi-use cup Scott had been so keen on using.
Actually, she could probably pop in and ask him for a coffee, promising to pay later.
She looked around again, but her pug was nowhere to be seen. It took her a split second to make that decision.
“Off to get a coffee,” she said, in case Baxter was listening. She rushed toward the café, up the stairs, and inside.
A few minutes later, she was out, a hot cup—a paper one—in her hand. She inhaled the strong, refreshing aroma and took another sip.
It was probably just the awareness that she was holding a cup of coffee in her hand that helped disperse the confusion in her mind.
She had to go and see Rob. That comment Leonard made, even if intended as a joke, was making her uncomfortable. Seriously uncomfortable. Not only just because of what he said but also because he clearly saw the benefits of Drew’s death. And he met the criteria she’d listed last night for a perfect suspect.
“Baxter, we’re going,” she called out. But still, her dog was nowhere to be seen.
“I’m off to see Rob. Wanna come?” she said calmly. Baxter loved Rob and, if anything, a promise to go and see one of his favorite humans was the thing to get him out of whatever he was busy doing.
“Woof.” A familiar, soft bark echoed behind her back.
Mimi turned around to look at her dog.
Yeah, she knew it!
“Here you are, ready for a run to town?”
Baxter tilted his head and gave her the “Honestly?” look.
“Yes, I’m holding a coffee, if you haven’t noticed. Can’t carry you, can I?”
The dog snorted, no doubt an equivalent of a human “whatever!” But when she started walking, he followed behind her.
By the time they reached the police station, the sun was already shining from behind the clouds, Mimi’s cup was empty, and Mimi herself was a little short of breath. Interestingly, Baxter seemed unaffected. Moreover, all of a sudden, he sprang forward, barking and wagging his tail, straight toward one of the cars parked in the lot.
“Baxter, boy, what a nice surprise! What are you doing here?” a familiar baritone boomed. Mimi’s heart made a tiny flip when the owner of the voice emerged from the car, Baxter trotting excitedly around him.
Yeah, her boyfriend had stolen the heart of her dog…
“Morning, Mimi,” Rob greeted her. His face looked a little fresher than yesterday. His dark blond hair was still damp, no doubt a sign that Chief Thompson had gone for his morning swim. “How are you? Better today?”
“No, not really,” she said without hesitation. “We need to talk.”
Rob’s broad face darkened.
“Is anyone in danger?”
“Not that I know of, but there might be.”
“What is it?”
Mimi glanced at her cup and shook it. It was definitely empty.
“Is there somewhere nearby where we could sit, have a coffee and talk?”
A warm smile crept onto Rob’s lips. He looked almost playful. Almost. It was the uniform that spoiled it.
“Over there. A nice little café, usually quiet at this time of day and out of season. And they’re pet friendly,” he added.
What a relief.
“Lead the way,” Mimi said and followed Rob. Baxter the traitor trotted by Rob’s leg.
They sat on the terrace upstairs with a view to the sea. The morning sun broke through the layer of clouds. The wind was fresh, but they were shielded behind the glass barrier. Little white and pastel houses glimmered in the morning sunlight. Picture perfect, if it wasn’t for the grim murder.
The waitress brought their coffee and topped up the dry food bowl, per Mimi’s request. Baxter, no doubt starving without his usual breakfast and after so much running this morning, almost threw himself over the food. With coffee in one hand, and the other gently squeezing Mimi’s little finger, Rob looked at her.
“Now, tell me what it is that is worrying you.”
Pushing aside her personal feelings trying to bust into her chest in the form of fluttering butterflies, Mimi cleared her throat.
“Leonard Falcon, the guy who runs the stationery shop next to Drew’s bookstore. He’s my number one suspect,” she said in one breath.
Rob’s blue eyes opened wide. His grip on her finger tightened for a second, and then relaxed.
“Tell me more about him. What is it that made you think it’s him?”
Mimi told him about the encounter in front of her shop and Leonard’s strange comment.
Rob pursed his lips.
“But that’s something you can say about probably any of your neighbors. Including you. Why do you think it’s him?”
Mimi shrugged.
“To be honest, I can’t quite justify it yet.”
“Yet…” Rob repeated and took a sip from his cup.
“Yes, yet,” Mimi fired back. “What’s wrong with that?”
“Nothing. It’s actually quite a good example of how your mind works. You know the answer before you can justify it. But that’s okay with me,” he added.
She slipped her hand under his, letting the warmth of his skin permeate her freezing cold fingers.
He smiled at her. A fine network of wrinkles appeared around his deep blue eyes.
The butterflies burst into her chest again, but this time Mimi let them flutter for a few minutes. She was exhausted dealing with the world which refused to bend to her rules.
“Thank you for being here for me, Rob,” she croaked.
“My pleasure,” he replied.
They sat like that until the waitress’s voice cut into the cozy silence between them.
“Everything okay?”
&nbs
p; Mimi winced.
“Yes, it is,” she replied automatically. “Thank you.”
With the romantic ambience gone like a popped soap bubble, Mimi reached for her coffee.
“So you don’t think he’s suspicious?”
“He probably is, just like any of you. Including the estranged girlfriend and Connor Hewitt.”
“Oh, not Connor,” Mimi protested. “He’s innocent.”
“He’s been acting strange of late,” Rob observed. “I’ve been wondering if he’s using anything…”
“Don’t be silly, Rob. He’s not. He’s just stressed. And the main reason for that, in fact, is…you and your fellow investigators.”
Rob blinked.
“Don’t blame me for Lieutenant London’s sins.”
“I’m not. I’m just stating the facts. Yes, Connor has been a bit all over the place emotionally lately, but anyone accused of murders would. And notice that I’ve used a plural here.”
“I have,” he murmured. “You’re right. He’s been involved in, I think, every single one of those cases, one way or another. And, to be honest, I wonder if this is the main reason London suspects him.”
Mimi took a long swig from her cup and let the bitter taste of the brew spread all over her mouth.
“But those other murders have been solved. What, you think Lieutenant may believe that poor Connor is some sort of evil mastermind?”
Rob chuckled. “I love your mind, Mimi. It’s so creative, so full of unexpected twists and turns. I bet you never get bored with it.”
Mimi’s cheeks burned. However much she’d agree with Rob, it still felt a little awkward.
“Yeah, it’s pretty good at weird stuff,” she said quickly. “But what do you think of my theory?”
“It’s crazy, but I wouldn’t discard it. I can see the appeal of it.”
“But he doesn’t look like an evil genius who is trying to take over the world, or even a small town.”
“Exactly,” Rob said, cocking an eyebrow and taking a sip from his cup.
“Ah, I see what you mean,” Mimi replied. She looked away, considering the idea. “Nope, still disagree,” she said after a while.
Rob nodded. “Actually, I agree with you, but I bet our new friend”—he paused to make quote marks in the air—“probably won’t. I’ll keep an eye on Connor, though. I’ve been worrying about him a little. Don’t want such a brilliant teacher to lose the plot.”
“Thanks, Rob. I’ll also be keeping an eye on him.”
“That’s great,” he said, glancing at the clock on the wall. “But, unfortunately, I need to go. I’ve got a pile of papers waiting for my signature.”
Mimi raised to her feet reluctantly. “I probably should go, too. I may have a queue of curiosity hunters banging on my door, even though it’s not tourist season.”
“These will be probably local gossips trying to get the scoop on the progress of the investigation. I’ve seen them around.” Rob grinned.
“I wouldn’t be surprised.” She laughed, but it sounded forced.
“Mimi?” Rob glanced at her, worry filling his handsome face.
“Yes?”
“Get hold of Sara and maybe work on the unpacking and inventory. You’ve still got unopened boxes from your trip to Italy, haven’t you?”
“I have,” Mimi replied. This was actually a great idea. Sara, with her cool head, was such a calming influence during times of emotional turmoil. “I’ll give her a call now.”
Rob left the café, and Mimi called Sara. A few minutes later, Mimi was ready to head to Surprises: Rare and Wonderful Antiques.
“Baxter, we’re going,” she said and ducked to find her dog. The dry food bowl was half empty with a few biscuit pieces lying around.
Messy Baxie!
“Baxter?” Mimi called out a little louder. Still no response.
He didn’t go with Rob, did he?
Mimi reached for her phone again and stopped. Rob would have sent him back to her. He had work to do. Baxter had probably gone to see Rob out. He’d be downstairs, waiting for her.
She raced to the café exit, but, once again, her dog was nowhere to be found.
“Have you seen my dog? A medium-size pug, apricot and black?” she asked the waitress.
“I think he sneaked out after one of the customers,” the girl replied.
Mimi nodded and rushed out the door. Her heart was pumping heavily.
Baxter left without her? What the heck was he doing and why?
Mimi trotted back to her shop, stopping at every suspicious patch of shrubs and calling his name.
To no avail.
Chapter 9
With her heart pounding and her face flooding with sweat mixed with tears, Mimi reached her house, having not found Baxter. One quick look was enough to see he wasn’t waiting for her at the doorstep, as she’d hoped.
“Baxter,” she yelled, her voice hoarse from all that calling out. “Baxie, where are you?”
She did a round of the grounds, checking all his favorite shrubs—no Baxter. On the verge of panic, she set off toward Scott’s Café, but Scott hadn’t seen him today at all. She checked the bakery down the street—no luck.
She rushed toward the empty bookstore, wiping her face with the back of her hand.
Where could this silly dog have gone? He was never one for adventure. She usually had to grab him to go out for a walk.
“Baxter, are you there?” she called out again, her voice breaking. She stopped at the bookstore entrance, catching her breath. A sharp pain pierced her side just under the ribcage.
Mimi stood there, taking slow, deep breaths until the sharp pain eased off.
She walked around the building slowly, too exhausted to call her dog’s name.
She’d have to put up some posters around town. Someone must have seen him somewhere.
Maybe she should call Rob and have him check the police station. It was possible Baxter was sitting in the reception waiting for Rob to come out.
She pulled her cell phone and fumbled through the recent calls list. She walked back to the sidewalk for better reception.
A movement in the window of the stationery store next door caught her eye.
Baxter? Or rather his little ears?
In two jumps, Mimi was by the window looking inside. Yep, somewhere between a laser printer, a fancy trash can, and a pile of colorful paper, a pair of apricot-and-black ears and the tip of a tail stuck out.
“Baxter,” Mimi whispered.
The ears twitched.
“Baxter, it’s Mimi,” she said a little louder. Her voice was hoarse.
A second later, her pug’s head emerged from behind the pile of paper. He barked.
“Thank goodness, I’ve found you.” Mimi let out a big sigh of relief. Her knees wobbled. She had to lean on the window to avoid falling to the ground.
“How on earth did you end up in there?” she said.
Baxter, of course, didn’t answer.
Mimi pushed herself off the window and made a few steps to the door. It was locked.
“Hello, anyone there?” she called, pushing the leftover energy into her voice.
No reply.
She banged on the door with a fist.
She could hear Baxter yapping inside. After a few more bangs accompanied by barking, the door opened. Leonard’s round head appeared in the gap between the door and the frame.
“Mimi, what’s going on?” he asked.
“Baxter, my dog, is inside,” Mimi said.
“He is? How’d he get in here?”
“No idea, you tell me.” Mimi put her foot in the gap. “I need to take him back home. Immediately. Let me in, or him out.”
Leonard’s eyebrows drew together.
“No need to be so curt with me, Mimi. We’re neighbors,” he said, still blocking the entry.
“My dog,” she croaked.
Baxter barked somewhere in the back.
“Baxie, come here,” she called as loud
as she could. “I’ve been looking for you, good boy.”
The door opened wider. Leonard’s short, bulky figure emerged in its full glory. Baxter slipped between Leonard’s legs and jumped straight into Mimi’s arms. She cuddled him, kissing his forehead.
“How dare you lock him in your shop,” she said.
“There’s been a massive misunderstanding, Mimi. I have no idea how your dog ended up in my store. I’ve just been to town to pick up a couple of packages with some magazines I’ve ordered for the shop. I’ve been doing a bit of inventory, that’s why I locked the door. He must have slipped in without my noticing. Weren’t you in your shop this morning?”
A hot wave spilled over Mimi’s face.
“We’ve been in town,” she admitted meekly.
“Oh, so maybe Baxter followed me home from town. I never realized he was here until he started to bark. I was freaked out when he jumped off the windowsill.”
Mimi took a deep, stabilizing breath. She inspected Leonard’s broad face, from his thinning ginger hair to the bottom of his pointy chin.
He looked genuinely surprised.
“Oh, okay, sorry,” Mimi mumbled.
Baxter bared his teeth and let out a low growl. Mimi gave him a pat on his head. “It’s all right, Baxie. We’ll be home soon. I’m sorry.” She looked up at Leonard. “He’s had a bit of an upset morning. Nothing has been as per his usual routine. Maybe that’s what got him confused. Sorry. We’d better be going.” She turned on her heel and marched back to her shop.
Once inside, she let Baxter down and went to the back room to prepare him some food.
A while later, Baxter was at his bowl, happily tucking in, and Mimi stood by the window with a glass of water.
That should help her voice.
She drained that one and then another one, still standing by the window looking at the calming green of the trees in the park across the street and the blue of the sky.
A police car arrived and pulled off, just several yards to the right.
Mimi frowned. Lt. London here to interrogate her again?
She listened to the sounds coming from the street, but nothing happened. No one knocked at her shop’s door.
No Ladder What (Witch of Wickrock Bay Book 4) Page 7